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Made with apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger and raw honey, this tasty ACV drink may help support healthy digestion, immune system function and much more.

It's Time You Tried Switchel!

Here's a Simple Recipe for the Tasty ACV Drink Your Whole Family Can Enjoy

Also known as “haymaker’s punch,” this apple cider vinegar drink was popular in 17th century New England, where workers enjoyed it as a delicious thirst quencher after a day of cutting and bailing hay.

Today, this tangy “health cocktail” has made a comeback as a new generation of switchel drinkers discover its many benefits and unique flavor.

This 21st century version features fresh ginger, lemon juice and unfiltered, raw honey in place of the traditional molasses of centuries’ past.

Why Drink Switchel?

A traditional apple cider vinegar drink, switchel is a perfect way to get your daily serving of ACV.

Besides its great taste and refreshing properties, there are a lot of health reasons to keep a cold jar of this tasty ACV drink in your fridge: 

  • The apple cider vinegar in switchel may help support your body’s own detoxifying properties and can be beneficial to liver health.
  • Naturally occurring probiotics and enzymes in ACV may help support proper digestion and gut health. For best results, make sure you use raw, unpasteurized, organic apple cider vinegar with the mother.
  • Apple cider vinegar may help support normal, balanced pH levels in your body for optimal health and wellness.
  • Pour yourself a cold glass of switchel in place of your usual coffee or tea for a great morning lift.
  • Try it as a cool-down, rehydrating drink after your workouts. It’s an excellent alternative to sports drinks that can be loaded with artificial ingredients and caffeine.
  • Switchel makes a light, refreshing summer beverage on a hot day and helps quench your thirst.
  • Try it as a healthy tonic during the cold winter months. ACV may play a vital role in supporting your immune system and can keep you feeling great year ‘round.
  • Enjoy it as an afternoon “cocktail” for a refreshing energy blast.
  • Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, the ACV in switchel can keep you feeling fuller longer to help support your healthy weight management goals. For best results, drink before meals or pour yourself a glass when you feel the urge to snack.
  • Many kids love this tangy, tasty ACV drink, which is a healthier alternative to sodas and other sugary beverages. You can experiment with the flavor by adding more honey or reducing the amount of ACV, depending on your children’s tastes.

Easy Switchel Recipe

Here’s our take on the traditional switchel recipe. We think it’s a delicious way to enjoy your recommended daily serving of ACV.

Ingredients

4-5 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar with the mother

2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled

Juice of 1 lemon

4 Tbsp. unfiltered, raw honey

2 cups warm water

Lemon, lime or orange slices (optional)

Fine-mesh strainer

2-quart glass container with lid  (a large mason jar works well)

Sparkling water or cold, filtered water

Grate ginger and add to jar. Heat 2 cups of water until pretty warm, but not too hot – hot water could kill off some of the gut-friendly bacteria in the apple cider vinegar. Pour water into jar, add the ACV, lemon juice and honey, then shake or stir vigorously until ingredients are well blended and the honey has dissolved.

Add lemon, lime or orange slices (or a combination of all three) to jar at this point if using. Replace lid loosely, then leave container on your kitchen counter and let it rest overnight or for 24 hours. This allows natural yeasts and healthy bacteria in the mixture to start fermenting, and will give your switchel a little extra zing. After the resting period is done, strain liquid into a fresh jar or glass container and refrigerate.

When you’re ready for some switchel, fill a glass to the halfway point with the switchel “base,” then add sparkling water or cold, filtered water and ice. Stir well and enjoy!

You may want to adjust this recipe slightly, using more or less ginger, honey, lemon or apple cider vinegar, depending on your taste. For a little extra kick of flavor and added benefits, add a little fresh or powdered turmeric, then garnish with fresh basil.

 

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